Pipe repair device

ABSTRACT

Example aspects of a pipe repair device and a method of repairing a pipe are disclosed. The pipe repair device can comprise a gasket defining a substantially cylindrical shape, the gasket defining a gasket top end and a gasket bottom end opposite the gasket top end, a gasket outer surface, and a gasket inner surface opposite the gasket outer surface, a top annular seal oriented at the gasket top end and a bottom annular seal oriented at the gasket bottom end, wherein each of the top and bottom annular seals extend substantially radially outward from the gasket outer surface; and a spring engaging the gasket inner surface and biasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration, wherein the gasket, top annular seal, and bottom annular seal are configured to engage an inner wall of a pipe in the expanded configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/885,021, filed Aug. 9, 2019, which is herebyspecifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of pipe repair. More specifically,this disclosure relates to a pipe repair device comprising a stent forrepairing a pipe.

BACKGROUND

Piping systems, including municipal water systems, can develop breaks inpipe walls that can cause leaking. Example of breaks in a pipe wall caninclude radial cracks, axial cracks, point cracks, etc. Repairing abreak in a pipe wall often requires the piping system to be shut off,which can be inconvenient for customers and costly for providers.Further, repairs can necessitate grandiose construction, including thedigging up of streets, sidewalks, and the like, which can be costly andtime-consuming.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a pipe repair device comprising a gasket defining asubstantially cylindrical shape, the gasket defining a gasket top endand a gasket bottom end opposite the gasket top end, a gasket outersurface, and a gasket inner surface opposite the gasket outer surface, atop annular seal oriented at the gasket top end and a bottom annularseal oriented at the gasket bottom end, wherein each of the top andbottom annular seals extend substantially radially outward from thegasket outer surface; and a spring engaging the gasket inner surface andbiasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration, wherein thegasket, top annular seal, and bottom annular seal are configured toengage an inner wall of a pipe in the expanded configuration.

Also disclosed is a pipe repair device comprising a gasket defining asubstantially cylindrical shape, the gasket defining a gasket top endand a gasket bottom end opposite the gasket top end, a gasket outersurface, and a gasket inner surface opposite the gasket outer surface,the gasket outer surface defining a plurality of raised ridges, theraised ridges extending about a circumference of the gasket outersurface; and a spring engaging the gasket inner surface, wherein thepipe repair device is configurable in an expanded configuration and oneof a compressed configuration and folded configuration, and wherein thespring biases the pipe repair device to the expanded configuration.

Further, a method of repairing a pipe is disclosed, the methodcomprising providing a pipe repair device, the pipe repair devicecomprising a spring and a gasket, the gasket defining a gasket top end,a gasket bottom end, and a gasket outer surface, wherein the gasketouter surface defines a plurality of raised ridges and recessed dimples;biasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration with thespring inside of a pipe; and engaging the raised ridges of the gasketouter surface with an inner wall of the pipe; and creating a suctionforce between each of the recessed dimples and the inner wall of thepipe to retain the pipe repair device against the inner wall.

Disclosed is a stent spring for a pipe repair device comprising one ormore strands defining a tubular structure, the tubular structuredefining a spring top end and a spring bottom end; a top band extendingaround a banded portion of the tubular structure at the spring top end;and a bottom band extending around the banded portion of the tubularstructure at the spring bottom end.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a stent spring, in accordance withone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a top perspective of the stent spring in an expandedconfiguration according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the stent spring of FIG. 8A in a foldedconfiguration.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the stent spring in an unrolled configurationaccording to another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the stent spring of FIG. 9A in arolled configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stent comprising a gasket and thestent spring, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a detail cross-sectional view of the stent of FIG. 13 takenalong line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the stent according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is the gasket according to another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17A is the gasket according to another aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17B is a detail view of the gasket of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the stent according to another aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the stent spring according to anotheraspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a stent for repairing a pipe,and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Exampleaspects of the stent can be oriented in an expanded configuration and acompressed or folded configuration. Some aspects of the stent cancomprise a stent spring and a gasket. It would be understood by one ofskill in the art that the disclosed stent is described in but a fewexemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or descriptionshould be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of anyclaims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of a stent spring 100, according tothe present disclosure. Example aspects of the stent spring 100 candefine a spring force and can be expandable and compressible, such thatthe stent spring 100 can be oriented in an expanded configuration, asshown in FIG. 1, and a compressed configuration (not shown) or foldedconfiguration (shown in FIG. 8B). In the depicted aspect, the stentspring 100 can comprise a plurality of strands 110 formed into asubstantially cylindrical, tubular structure. The strands 110 can definea plurality of openings 112 therebetween. In a particular aspect, asshown, the strands 110 can be generally X-shaped strands 120 arranged incircular pattern. Example aspects of the strands 110 can besubstantially resilient and flexible. The flexibility of the strands 110can allow the stent spring 100 to be compressed in the compressedconfiguration, and the resiliency of the strands 110 can provide thestent spring 100 with the spring force, which can bias the stent spring100 from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration. Thecylindrical, tubular structure of the stent spring 100 can defineopposing open ends (e.g. a spring top end 102 and a spring bottom end104 opposite the spring top end 102). The stent spring 100 can furtherdefine an outer surface 106 and an opposite inner surface 108. The innersurface 108 can define a void 130, which can extend between the springtop end 102 and spring bottom end 104 and can allow fluid to passtherethrough, for example, when the stent spring 100 is received in apipeline. According to example aspects, the stent spring 100 can beformed from a metal material, such as stainless steel, spring steel,aluminum, nitinol, cobalt chromium, or any other suitable material. Inother aspects, the stent spring 100 can be formed from a plasticmaterial, such as, for example, nylon, POM (polyoxymethylene), or PVC(polyvinyl chloride). In still another aspect, the stent spring 100 canbe formed from a carbon fiber material. Optionally, the material can bean NSF certified material that can comply with various public healthsafety standards. For example, in some aspects, the material can beapproved as safe for use in drinking-water applications.

Moreover, in some aspects, the stent spring 100 can comprise a coating,such as, for example, a rubber or liquid metal coating. The coating canimprove mechanical properties of the stent spring 100. For example, thecoating can improve the tensile strength of the stent spring 100 byproviding a flexible and/or springy outer layer. For example, in oneaspect, the stent spring 100 can be coated in a Plasti Dip® coating. APlasti Dip® coating is a synthetic rubber coating that can be applied byspraying, brushing, dipping, or the like, and which can be configured toair dry. The Plasti Dip® material can be non-slip, flexible, durable,and insulating material in some aspects. In another example aspect, thestent spring 100 can be coated in a Flex Seal® coating. The Flex Seal®coating is a synthetic rubber coating similar to the Plasti Dip® coatingand can be applied by pouring, rolling, dippy, spraying, or the like,and can be durable, flexible, insulating, and water resistant. In otheraspects, the coating can be any other suitable coating known in the art.As such, example aspects of the coating can be flexible and can improvethe flexibility of the stent spring 100. In some example aspects, thecoating can also be a non-slip coating configured to improve the grip ofthe stent spring 100 with any component(s) engaged by the stent spring100, such as, for example, a gasket 1310 (shown in FIG. 13). In someaspects, the coating can also be corrosion resistant, or a separatecoating can be applied for corrosion resistance. For example, acorrosion resistant coating can comprise a zinc-nickel material,phosphate, electrophoretic paint (e-coating), polyester, fusion-bondedepoxy (FBE), or any other suitable corrosion resistant material.

According to example aspects, each of the X-shaped strands 120 can beconnected to the adjacent X-shaped strands 120 proximate to an upper end122 and a lower end 124 thereof. The upper end 122 of each X-shapedstrand 120 can generally correspond to the spring top end 102 of thestent spring 100, and the lower end 124 of each X-shaped strand 120 cangenerally correspond to the spring bottom end 104 of the stent spring100. In the preset aspect, each of the X-shaped strands 120 can beconnected to adjacent X-shaped strands 120 by one or more connectingbridges 140. For example, as shown, a first X-shaped strand 120 a can beconnected to an adjacent second X-shaped strand 120 b proximate theupper end 122 thereof by a first connecting bridge 140 a and proximatethe lower end 124 thereof by a second connecting bridge 140 b. The firstX-shaped strand 120 a can also be connected to an adjacent thirdX-shaped strand 120 c proximate the upper end 122 thereof by a thirdconnecting bridge 140 c and proximate the lower end 124 thereof by afourth connecting bridge 140 d.

According to various example aspects, the stent spring 100 can furthercomprise one or more wires 150 connected to one or more of the strands110. For example, in a particular aspect, the wires 150 can be aplurality of Nitinol super-elastic wires 152, which can be configured toprovide added flexibility to the stent spring 100. In some aspects, aNitinol super-elastic wire 152 can extend between the upper ends 122 ofeach adjacent X-shaped strand 120 and between the lower ends 124 of eachadjacent X-shaped strands 120. Note, only a few representative Nitinolsuper-elastic wires 152 are illustrated in the present aspect. More orfewer wires 150 may be provided in other aspects.

According to example aspects, the gasket 1310 (shown in FIG. 13) can beconfigured to wrap around the outer surface 106 of the stent spring 100,and the gasket 1310 and stent spring 100 together can define a piperepair device 1300 (shown in FIG. 13). The pipe repair device 1300 canbe expanded within a pipe (not shown) of the pipeline such that thegasket 1310 can engage an inner wall (not shown) of the pipe where acrack or other damage is present, in order to create a watertight sealbetween the pipe repair device 1300 and the inner wall of the pipe toprevent leaking at the damage site. According to example aspects, theconnecting bridges 140 and the wires 150 can provide added support tothe gasket 1310 proximate to the spring top end 102 and spring bottomend 104, such that the gasket 1310 can be pressed firmly against theinner wall of the pipe at the connecting bridges 140. The added supportfor the gasket 1310 can aid in retaining the pipe repair device 1300 inplace against the inner wall of the pipe by preventing the fluid flowingthrough the pipe from flowing between the gasket 1310 and the inner walland pulling the pipe repair device 1300 downstream.

FIG. 2 illustrates the stent spring 100 according to another exampleaspect of the present disclosure. The stent spring 100 can be similar tothe stent spring 100 of FIG. 1; however, in the present aspect, each ofthe X-shaped strands 120 can be monolithically formed with adjacentX-shaped strands 120 at the upper and lower end 122,124 thereof todefine a substantially tubular mesh structure comprising the pluralityof openings 112. Also, as shown, a one of the connecting bridges 140 canextend across each of the corresponding upper end 122 and lower end 124of each X-shaped strand 120. Furthermore, each of the connecting bridges140 of the present aspect can define a break 242 formed at a centralregion thereof, such that each connecting bridge 140 can define a firstbridge portion 244 and a second bridge portion 246. The first bridgeportion 244 can be configured to press against and slide along thesecond bridge portion 246 when compressed, creating additional springforce. The added spring force can aid in biasing the stent spring 100back to the expanded configuration and in pressing the gasket 1310(shown in FIG. 13) against the inner wall of the pipe at the spring topend 102 and spring bottom end 104.

As such, in the present aspect, the connecting bridges 140 can allow thestent spring 100 to evenly and circumferentially engage the gasket 1310at the spring top end 102 and spring bottom end 104 and can provideadded support for pressing the gasket 1310 against the inner wall of thepipe at the spring top and bottom ends 102,104. Furthermore, asillustrated in FIG. 2, in some aspects, a diameter D₁ of the stentspring 100 defined at the spring top end 102 and spring bottom end 104can be greater than a diameter D₂ of the stent spring 100 defined at amiddle section 206 thereof. The increased diameter D₁ at the spring topend 102 and spring bottom end 104 can increase the force with which thestent spring 100 presses the gasket 1310 into the inner wall of the pipeat the spring top and bottom ends 102,104 thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring 100according to the present disclosure. As shown, the tubular meshstructure of the stent spring 100 can comprise a plurality of thestrands 110 arranged to define the openings 112 therebetween. In thepresent aspect, the stent spring 100 can comprise a top band 310extending around a banded portion 320 of the circumference of the stentspring 100 at the spring top end 102 thereof, and a bottom band 312extending around the banded portion 320 of the stent spring 100 at thespring bottom end 104 thereof. The top band 310 and bottom band 312 canbe monolithically formed with the adjoining strands 110 in some aspects;however, in other aspects, the top band 310 and/or bottom band 312 canbe coupled to the corresponding strands 110 by any suitable fastener,such as an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or the like. The top band310 and bottom band 312 can increase the resiliency of the stent spring100 around the banded portion 320, and can aid in pressing the gasket1310 (shown in FIG. 13) into the inner wall of the pipe at the springtop end 102 and spring bottom end 104, as described above. Furthermore,according to example aspects, an un-banded portion 330 of thecircumference of the stent spring 100 around which the top band 310 andbottom band 312 do not extend can be more flexible than the bandedportion 320 of the circumference, and can allow for easier compressionand/or folding of the stent spring 100 at the un-banded portion 330.

FIG. 4 illustrates the stent spring 100 according to another exampleaspect that can be similar to the stent spring 100 of FIG. 3, whereinthe stent spring 100 can comprise the top band 310 and the bottom band312 extending around the banded portion 320. The un-banded portion 330can comprise increased flexibility over the banded portion 320, whichcan allow for easy folding and/or compression of the stent spring 100 atthe un-banded portion 330. In the present aspect, the strands 110 of thestent spring 100 can be configured differently than the strands 110 ofthe stent spring 100 of FIG. 3, such that the openings 112 formed by thestands can define different shapes. The top and bottom bands 310,312 ofthe present aspect can also be notably thinner than the top and bottombands 310,312 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example aspect of the stent spring 100 that can besimilar to the stent springs 100 of FIGS. 3 and 4. The stent spring 100can comprise the top band 310 and bottom band 312 extending around thebanded portion 320. However, in the current aspect, the stent spring 100can further comprise a second top band 510 and a second bottom band 512extending around a second banded portion 520 of the stent spring 100. Asshown, un-banded portions 330 can be formed between the banded portion320 and second banded portion 520. The un-banded portions 330 cancomprise increased flexibility as opposed to the banded portion 320 andsecond banded portion 520, which can allow for easy folding and/orcompression of the stent spring 100. FIG. 6 illustrates the stent spring100 according to another example aspect that can be substantiallysimilar to the stent spring 100 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring 100,according to the present disclosure. As shown, in some aspects, thestent spring 100 may not comprise the connecting bridges 140, the wires150, or the top and bottom bands 310,312. However, upper portions 710and lower portions 712 of the strands 110 formed at the spring top end102 and spring bottom end 104, respectively, can provide added supportto the gasket 1310 (shown in FIG. 13) at the spring top end 102 andspring bottom end 104 to aid in retaining the pipe repair device 1300(shown in FIG. 13) in position within the pipe.

FIG. 8A illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring 100 inaccordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the stent spring 100can define the tubular mesh structure comprising a plurality of thestrands 110, and the strands 110 can define the plurality of openings112. In the present aspect, the stent spring 100 can be monolithicallyformed as a singular component. For example, the stent spring 100 can belaser cut from a sheet of material, such as, for example, a sheet ofstainless steel. In other aspects, the stent spring 100 can be formed bystereolithography (e.g., 3D printing), or by any other suitablemanufacturing method suitable for forming the mesh structure of thestent spring 100. Moreover, in the present aspect, the stent spring 100can be configured to be folded instead of compressed, as shown in FIG.8B. Furthermore, as shown, a plurality of holes 810 can be formed aroundthe circumference of the stent spring 100 at the middle section 206thereof. According to example aspects, each of the holes 810 can beconfigured to receive an eye bolt (not shown) therethrough, and the eyebolt can define a loop. In other aspects, any other suitable deviceproviding a loop can be provided. A wire, or in other aspects, a cord,thread, or the like, can be passed through the loops of the eye bolts,and a pulling force can be applied to the wire to draw the stent intothe folded configuration. In other aspects, the wire (or cord, thread,or the like) can be fed directly through the holes 810, and the pullingforce can be applied to the wire to draw the stent into the foldedconfiguration. FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the stent spring 100 inthe folded configuration, in accordance with one particular aspect.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates an example aspect of the stent spring 100that can be substantially similar to the stent spring 100 of FIGS. 8Aand 8B. In the present aspect, the stent spring 100 can be manufacturedin an unrolled configuration, as shown in FIG. 9A, and can then bereconfigured into a rolled configuration, as shown in FIG. 9B, to definethe substantially tubular mesh structure. Referring to FIG. 9A, thestent spring 100 can define a first side 910 and an opposite second side912. In the present aspect, a first tab 920 and a second tab 930 can beformed at each of the first side 910 and second side 912. To retain thestent spring 100 in the rolled configuration, as shown in FIG. 9B, thefirst tabs 920 can be fastened to one another, such as, for example, byspot welding, and the second tabs 930 fastened to one another, such as,for example, by spot welding. In other aspects, the first side 910 ofthe stent spring 100 can be attached to the second side 912 by analternative fastener, such as, for example, one or more nut and boltassemblies, adhesives, clips, snaps, ties, or any other suitablefastener or combination of fasteners know in the art. Furthermore,according to example aspects, the rolled stent spring 100 can be heattreated to harden the stent spring 100. For example, in one particularexample aspect, the stent spring 100 can be hardened to between about40-45 HRC.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring 100 thatcan be similar to the stent spring 100 of FIGS. 8A and 8B; however, thestent spring 100 of the present aspect can comprise a greater amount ofstrands 110 than the prior aspect, and thus can define more of theopenings 112, as shown. The stent spring 100 of the present aspect canbe substantially the same in size as compared to the prior aspect, andas such, each of the openings 112 can define a smaller width Wi than theopenings 112 of the prior aspect. In some aspects, providing a stentspring 100 comprising more stands defining smaller openings 112 canincrease the flexibility of the stent spring 100 and allow for easierfolding and/or compression. FIG. 11 illustrates still another exampleaspect of the stent spring 100, wherein the size and shape of thestrands 110 and openings 112 can be similar to the stent spring 100 ofFIGS. 8A and 8B; however, the present aspect can further comprise thetop band 310 and the bottom band 312 extending around the banded portion320 of the stent spring 100.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example aspect of the stent spring 100, accordingto the present disclosure, wherein the stent spring 100 can beadjustable in diameter. In the present aspect, the stent spring 100 cancomprise the top band 310 extending fully about the circumference of thestent spring 100 at the spring top end 102 thereof and the bottom band312 extending fully about the circumference at the spring bottom end 104thereof. As shown, the stent spring 100 can define the first side 910and the opposite second side 912. A plurality of notches 1210 can beformed along a length of the top band 310 and the bottom band 312adjacent to the first side 910 of the stent spring 100. Each of thenotches 1210 formed in the top band 310 can be configured tosubstantially align with a corresponding one of the notches 1210 formedin the bottom band 312. Furthermore, a top locking mechanism 1220 can bepositioned at the spring top end 102 proximate to the second side 912 ofthe stent spring 100, and a bottom locking mechanism 1230 can bepositioned at the spring bottom end 104 proximate to the second side912. The top band 310 at the first side 910 of the stent spring 100 canbe fed into the top locking mechanism 1220 and the top locking mechanism1220 can selectively engage one of the notches 1210 in the top band 310to define a desired diameter of the stent spring 100. Simultaneously,the bottom band 312 at the first side 910 of the stent spring 100 can befed into the bottom locking mechanism 1230, and the bottom lockingmechanism 1230 can engage the corresponding notch 1210 on the bottomband 312. To reduce the diameter of the stent spring 100, the top andbottom bands 310,312 can be fed further into the corresponding top andbottom locking mechanisms 1220,1230, respectively, and can be locked inplace at the desired reduced diameter. To increase the diameter of thestent spring 100, the top and bottom bands 310,312 can be drawn furtherout of the corresponding top and bottom locking mechanisms 1220,1230,respectively, and locked in place at the desired increased diameter.

FIG. 13 illustrates the pipe repair device 1300 according to an exampleaspect of the present disclosure. The pipe repair device 1300 can be,for example, a stent 1305, as shown. According to the present aspect,the stent 1305 can comprise the stent spring 100 and the gasket 1310,and can generally define a stent diameter D₃ and a stent length L. Acenter axis 1330 of the stent 1305 can be defined through a center ofthe void 130. Example aspects of the gasket 1310 can be formed as acontinuous, tubular sleeve structure, as shown, and can be substantiallycylindrical in shape. The gasket 1310 can define an outer surface 1312and an inner surface 1314. Example aspects of the gasket 1310 cancomprise a flexible and compressible material, such as, for example,neoprene. In other aspects, the gasket 1310 can be formed from anothersynthetic rubber material such as EPDM rubber, natural rubber, foam,epoxy, silicone, a resin-soaked cloth, or any other suitable flexiblematerial. In another aspect, the gasket 1310 can be formed as an uncuredresin-filled sleeve, which can be cured in place with UV (ultraviolet)radiation or any other suitable type of radiation. According to exampleaspects, the gasket 1310 can wrap around the circumference of the stentspring 100, and the inner surface 1314 of the gasket 1310 can engage theouter surface 106 (shown in FIG. 1) of the stent spring 100. In thepresent aspect, the gasket 1310 can cover the entire outer surface 106of the stent spring 100, as shown. However, in other aspects, the gasket1310 may cover only a portion of the outer surface 106 of the stentspring 100. In still other aspects, the gasket 1310 may not wrapentirely around the circumference of the stent spring 100. In thepresent aspect, the gasket 1310 can fit snugly on the stent spring 100by friction fit when the stent spring 100 is in the expandedconfiguration and can be secured thereto by a fastener (not shown), suchas, for example, an adhesive, tie, stitching, or any other suitablefastener known in the art. Furthermore, in some example aspects, aplurality of the stents 1305 can be joined together in series in theaxial direction, relative to the center axis 1330 to form a stent 1305defining a longer stent length L for repairing larger cracks or damagein the pipeline.

Furthermore, as described above, the stent spring 100 can be expandableand compressible. As such, according to example aspects, the stent 1305can be oriented in an expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, and acompressed configuration (not shown). In example aspects, the stentspring 100 can bias the stent 1305 radially outward, relative to thecenter axis 1330, to the expanded configuration. According to exampleaspects, the stent 1305 can be expanded within the pipe (not shown) suchthat the gasket 1310 can engage the inner wall (not shown) of the pipewhere a crack or other damage is present, in order to create awatertight seal between the stent 1305 and the inner wall of the pipe toprevent leaking at the damage site.

In the compressed configuration, a compression force (i.e., a pushingforce) can be applied to the stent 1305, for example, by a compressionmechanism (not shown). The compression force can overcome the springforce of the stent spring 100, and the gasket 1310 and stent spring 100can be compressed or folded radially inward, relative to the center axis1330, to define a smaller stent diameter D₃ and a smaller overall stentvolume than in the expanded configuration. The reduced stent diameter D₃and stent volume in the compressed configuration can allow for easierinsertion of the stent 1305 into the pipe or pipeline and easiernavigation of the stent 1305 through the pipe or pipeline. When thecompression force is removed or reduced to less than the spring force,the stent spring 100 can bias the stent 1305 back to the expandedconfiguration. In other aspects, any other suitable force, such as atension force (i.e., a pulling force), can be applied to the stent 1305to bias the stent 1305 to the compressed configuration or foldedconfiguration.

As shown, the gasket 1310 can define a gasket top end 1316 that cangenerally correspond to the spring top end 102 and a gasket bottom end1318 that can generally correspond to the spring bottom end 104. In thepresent aspect, a top annular seal 1320 can be positioned at the gaskettop end 1316 and a bottom annular seal 1322 can be positioned at thegasket bottom end 1318. In the present aspect, the top and bottomannular seals 1320,1322 can be formed separately from the gasket 1310and attached thereto; however, in other aspects, the top and bottomannular seals 1320,1322 may be formed monolithically with the gasket1310. According to example aspects, the top annular seal 1320 and bottomannular seal 1322 can provide for an improved seal between the stent1305 and the pipe at the gasket top and bottom ends 1316,1318 (gasketbottom end 1318 shown in FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of top annular seal1320 at the gasket top end 1316, which can also be representative of thebottom annular seal 1322, according to an example aspect. As shown, thetop annular seal 1320 can define an annular channel 1422 for receivingthe gasket top end 1316 to aid in retaining the top annular seal 1320 onthe gasket 1310. In some aspects, a fastener, such as an adhesive, amechanical fastener, or any other suitable fastener, may be provided forsecuring the top annular seal 1320 to the gasket 1310. In exampleaspects, the top annular seal 1320 can comprise a first annular sealingflange 1424 extending outwardly therefrom, relative to the center axis1330 (shown in FIG. 13), and configured to engage and seal with theinner wall of the pipe. In the present aspect, the first annular sealingflange 1424 can be an elongated sealing fin, as shown. Other aspects ofthe first annular sealing flange 1424 can define any other suitableshape and size. The top annular seal 1320 can further comprise secondannular sealing flange 1426 extending outwardly therefrom, relative tothe center axis 1330, and configured to engage and seal with the innerwall of the pipe. In the present aspect, the second annular sealingflange 1426 can define a substantially cylindrical annular first rib1428 a coupled to the first annular sealing flange 1424 and asubstantially cylindrical annular second rib 1428 b coupled to the firstrib 1428 a, distal to the first annular sealing flange 1424. In thepresent aspect, the second annular sealing flange 1426 can at leastpartially define the annular channel 1422 and can engage the gasket topend 1316 received therein. The bottom annular seal 1322 (shown in FIG.13) can be similarly formed. Because the top and bottom annular seals1320,1322 can extend radially outward relative to the gasket outersurface 1312 of the gasket 1310, each of the top and bottom annularseals 1320,1322 can define a diameter than can be greater than adiameter of the gasket 1310. Additionally, as shown, the spring top end102 and bottom spring end 104 (shown in FIG. 1) of the stent spring 100can engage the top annular seal 1320 and bottom annular seal 1322,respectively, to aid in biasing the top and bottom annular seals1320,1322 against the inner wall of the pipe.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example aspect of the gasket 1310 comprising thetop annular seal 1320 and the bottom annular seal 1322, according toanother aspect of the present disclosure. In the present aspect, the topannular seal 1320 can be a top annular lip 1520 extending substantiallyradially outward from the gasket 1310, relative to the center axis 1330(shown in FIG. 13), at the gasket top end 1316, and the bottom annularseal 1322 can be a bottom annular lip 1522 extending substantiallyradially outward from the gasket 1310, relative to the center axis 1330,at the gasket bottom end 1318. The top and bottom annular ridges1520,1522 can be monolithically formed with the gasket 1310 in thepresent aspect (i.e., formed as a single component), and each can definea substantially circular cross-sectional shape, as shown. In otheraspects, the top and bottom annular ridges 1520,1522 may not bemonolithically formed with the gasket 1310 and/or can comprise any othersuitable cross-sectional shape. According to example aspects, the topannular lip 1520 and bottom annular lip 1522 can be configured to engageand seal with the inner wall of the pipe to improve the seal between thestent 1305 and the pipe at the gasket top end 1316 and gasket bottom end1318.

Further, as shown, the outer surface 1312 of the gasket 1310 can be atextured outer surface 1312 in some aspects. For example, in the presentaspect, the gasket 1310 can define a series of raised ridges 1530 formedon the outer surface 1312 thereof and extending circumferentially aroundthe gasket 1310, or can otherwise define an uneven, bumpy, or roughouter surface 1312. In some example aspects, as shown, the raised ridges1530 can be substantially concentric with the top and bottom annularlips 1520,1522. Furthermore, in the present aspect, a height of each ofthe raised ridges 1530 can be less than a height of the top and bottomannular lips 1520,1522; however, in other aspects, the heights of theraised ridges 1530 and the top and bottom annular lips 1520,1522 can beabout equal. According to example aspects, the ridges 1530 of the gasket1310 can be configured to engage the inner wall of the pipe and canprovide an improved grip on the inner wall of the pipe when compared toa smooth outer surface 1312, particularly when gripping an uneven orrough inner wall of the pipe. In other aspects, the outer surface 1312of the gasket 1310 can comprise an abrasive material, or can compriseprojections, spikes, or grippers, or the like extending therefrom forimproving the grip of the gasket 1310 on the inner wall of the pipe.Furthermore, the size, shape, and number of raised ridges 1530 can varyin example aspects.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example aspect of the gasket 1310 whereinthe outer surface 1312 can be textured, according to the presentdisclosure. The gasket 1310 can comprise a plurality of the raisedridges 1530 on the outer surface 1312 thereof, wherein the raised ridges1530 can be arranged in a crisscross pattern. As such, the ridges 1530can comprise a plurality of generally vertical ridges 1530 a, relativeto the orientation shown, and a plurality of generally horizontal ridges1530 b, relative to the orientation shown, intersecting the verticalridges 1530 a. In other aspects, the raised ridges 1530 can be arrangedto define any other suitable pattern. A plurality of recessed dimples1632 can be defined between the vertical and horizontal ridges 1530a,1530 b. The recessed dimples 1632 are substantially square shaped inthe present aspect, though in other aspects, the dimples 1632 can defineany other suitable shape. According to example aspects, biasing theraised ridges 1530 against the inner wall of the pipe with the stentspring 100 can create a suction force within the recessed dimples 1632,which can aid in retaining the pipe repair device 1300 (shown in FIG.13) against the inner wall. Furthermore, in the present aspect, each ofthe ridges 1530 can define a substantially square or rectangular profilehaving substantially angular edges. However, in other aspects, such asthe aspect shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, each of the ridges 1530 can becurved to define a substantially arcuate profile, as shown. In someaspects, ridges 1530 comprising a substantially arcuate profile canprovide an improved grip with the inner wall of the pipe, as compared toridges 1530 defining a substantially square or rectangular profile, asthey may more easily conform to variations on the inner wall.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example aspect of the stent 1305 inaccordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the stent 1305 cancomprise the gasket 1310. In the present aspect, structural wires 1810,such as Nitinol structural wires 1812, can be embedded in, or otherwiseattached to, the inner surface 1314 of the gasket 1310 to bias the stent1305 to the expanded configuration. As such, the Nitinol structuralwires 1812 can replace the stent spring 100 (shown in FIG. 1) in thepresent aspect. In other aspects, the structural wires 1810 can beformed from any other suitable material that can bias the stent 1305 tothe expanded configuration. Furthermore, as shown, the stent 1305 cancomprise a wire tightening device 1820 oriented proximate a first side1822 of the gasket 1310, which can be opposite a second side 1824 of thegasket 1310. According to example aspects, a first end 1814 of each wire1812 oriented proximate the first side 1822 of the gasket 1310 can befed into a corresponding channel (not shown) in the wire tighteningdevice 1820, and a second end 1816 of each wire 1812 oriented proximatethe second side 1824 of the gasket 1310 can also be fed into thecorresponding channel of the wire tightening device 1820. Once the wires1812 are in a desired position, wing nuts 1826 provided on the wiretightening device 1820 can be tightened to engage the first and secondends 1814,1816 of each wire 1812 to lock the wires 1812 in place.

FIG. 19 illustrates the stent spring 100 according to another aspect ofthe present disclosure. The stent spring 100 of the present aspect cancomprise a plurality of rods 1910 extending axially, relative to thecenter axis 1330 (shown in FIG. 13), about the circumference of thestent spring 100. In example aspects, a plurality of linear spring arms1920 can extend between each of the adjacent rods 1910, with some of thespring arms 1920 angled upward and some of the spring arms 1920 angledownward, relative to the orientation shown, to define a generallychevron pattern around the circumference of the stent spring 100, asshown. According to example aspects, each of the spring arms 1920 candefine a spring force configured to bias the stent spring 100 to theexpanded configuration, as shown. Upon application of a suitablecompression force, or other force, the spring arms 1920 can beconfigured to flex relative to the corresponding rods 1910 to which theyare connected, allowing the stent spring 100 to be compressed to thecompressed configuration. When the compression force is reduced orremoved, the spring arms 1920 can bias the stent spring 100 back to theexpanded configuration.

FIG. 20 illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring 100 inaccordance with the present disclosure. The stent spring 100 of thepresent aspect can be similar to the stent spring 100 of FIG. 19.However, as shown, each of the spring arms 1920 extending betweenadjacent rods 1910 can generally define a V-shape and can be configuredto pinch inward at a bottom point 2022 thereof.

FIG. 21 illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring 100. Thestent spring 100 of the present aspect is similar in structure to thestent spring 100 of FIG. 19; however, the present stent spring 100 isconfigured to be folded instead of compressed. According to exampleaspects, as shown, the stent spring can comprise the plurality ofaxially extending rods 1910 and the linear spring arms 1920 extendingtherebetween. The first side 910 of the stent spring 100 can bepivotably coupled to the second side 912 of the stent spring 100 by ahinge 2110. A first cable tube 2112 can be coupled to the hinge 2110.Moreover, a plate 2120 can be coupled to the stent spring 100 generallyopposite the hinge 2110, and in some aspects, as shown, can extend fromthe spring top end 102 to the spring bottom end 104. A second cable tube2122 can be coupled to the plate 2120 and can be oriented generallyopposite the first cable tube 2112. In the present aspect, the stentspring 100 can further comprise a cable 2130 defining a first end 2132and a second end 2134. The first end 2132 of the cable 2130 can be fedinto the second cable tube 2122 through a first opening 2123 thereof,and can exit the second cable tube 2122 through a hole 2124 formedtherein. The first end 2132 of the cable 2130 can then be fed throughthe first cable tube 2112, and then back into the second cable tube 2122through the hole 2124, as shown. The first end 2132 of the cable 2130can then exit the first opening 2123 of the second cable tube 2122. Inorder to fold the stent spring 100, a pulling force can be applied tothe first and second ends 2132,2134 of the cable 2130. The first andsecond sides 910,910 of the stent spring 100 can pivot at the hinge 2110as the first cable tube 2112 is drawn towards the second cable tube 2122by the pulling force on the cable 2130. The In other aspects, the cable2130 can be replaced with a string, cord, or any other suitable flexiblestrand known in the art.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A pipe repair device comprising: a gasket defining a substantially cylindrical shape, the gasket defining a gasket top end and a gasket bottom end opposite the gasket top end, a gasket outer surface, and a gasket inner surface opposite the gasket outer surface, a top annular seal oriented at the gasket top end and a bottom annular seal oriented at the gasket bottom end, wherein each of the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal extends substantially radially outward from the gasket outer surface; and a spring engaging the gasket inner surface and biasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration, wherein the gasket, the top annular seal, and the bottom annular seal are configured to engage an inner wall of a pipe in the expanded configuration.
 2. The pipe repair device of claim 1, wherein: the spring defines a spring top end, a spring bottom end opposite the spring top end, and a middle section therebetween; and the spring top end engages the top annular seal and the spring bottom end engages the bottom annular seal.
 3. The pipe repair device of claim 1, wherein the top annular seal is a top annular lip defining a substantially circular cross-section, and the bottom annular seal is a bottom annular lip defining a substantially circular cross-section.
 4. The pipe repair device of claim 3, wherein the top annular lip and bottom annular lip are formed monolithically with the gasket.
 5. The pipe repair device of claim 1, wherein each of the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal defines an annular channel, the gasket top end received in the annular channel of the top annular seal, and the gasket bottom end received in the annular channel of the bottom annular seal.
 6. The pipe repair device of claim 5, wherein each of the top annular seal and bottom annular seal define a first annular sealing flange and a second annular sealing flange, and wherein each second annular sealing flange of the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal defines at least a portion of the annular channel of each of the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal.
 7. The pipe repair device of claim 6, wherein: the first annular sealing flange defines an elongated sealing fin; and the second annular sealing flange comprises an annular first rib coupled to the elongated sealing fin and an annular second rib coupled to the annular first rib distal to the elongated sealing fin.
 8. The pipe repair device of claim 1, wherein the gasket defines a plurality of raised ridges extending from the gasket outer surface.
 9. The pipe repair device of claim 1, wherein: the spring defines a spring top end, a spring bottom end opposite the spring top end, and a middle section therebetween; and a diameter of the middle section is less than a diameter of the spring top end and a diameter of the spring bottom end.
 10. The pipe repair device of claim 1, wherein: the spring defines a spring top end and spring bottom end opposite the spring top end; the spring further defines a banded portion and an un-banded portion; a top band extends around the banded portion at the spring top end; and a bottom band extends around the banded portion at the spring bottom end.
 11. A pipe repair device comprising: a gasket defining a substantially cylindrical shape, the gasket defining a gasket top end and a gasket bottom end opposite the gasket top end, a gasket outer surface, and a gasket inner surface opposite the gasket outer surface, the gasket outer surface defining a plurality of raised ridges, the raised ridges extending about a circumference of the gasket outer surface; and a spring engaging the gasket inner surface, wherein the pipe repair device is configurable in an expanded configuration and one of a compressed configuration and a folded configuration, and wherein the spring biases the pipe repair device to the expanded configuration.
 12. The pipe repair device of claim 11, wherein: the plurality of raised ridges can be raised horizontal ridges; the gasket outer surface can further define a plurality of raised vertical ridges extending from the gasket top end to the gasket bottom end; and the raised vertical ridges and raised horizontal ridges define a plurality of recessed dimples therebetween.
 13. The pipe repair device of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of raised ridges defines a substantially rectangular profile and substantially angular edges.
 14. The pipe repair device of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of raised ridges is curved to define a substantially arcuate profile.
 15. The pipe repair device of claim 11, wherein the gasket defines a top annular seal oriented at the gasket top end and a bottom annular seal oriented at the gasket bottom end, and wherein each of the raised ridges can be substantially concentric with the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal.
 16. The pipe repair device of claim 11, wherein the spring can comprise a plurality of structural wires engaging and extending about a circumference of the gasket inner surface.
 17. The pipe repair device of claim 11, wherein: the spring defines a spring top end, a spring bottom end opposite the spring top end, and a middle section therebetween; the spring top end engages the gasket at the gasket top end; the spring bottom end engages the gasket at the gasket bottom end; and a diameter of the middle section is less than a diameter of the spring top end and a diameter of the spring bottom end.
 18. A method of repairing a pipe comprising; providing a pipe repair device, the pipe repair device comprising a spring and a gasket, the gasket defining a gasket top end, a gasket bottom end, and a gasket outer surface, wherein the gasket outer surface defines a plurality of raised ridges and recessed dimples; biasing the pipe repair device to an expanded configuration with the spring inside of a pipe; and engaging the raised ridges of the gasket outer surface with an inner wall of the pipe; and creating a suction force between each of the recessed dimples and the inner wall of the pipe to retain the pipe repair device against the inner wall.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the pipe repair device further comprises a top annular seal oriented at the gasket top end and a bottom annular seal oriented at the gasket bottom end; the top and bottom annular seals extend radially outward from the gasket outer surface; and the method further comprises engaging the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal with the inner wall of the pipe.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the spring defines a spring top end, a spring bottom end opposite the spring top end, and a middle section therebetween; a diameter of the middle section is less than a diameter of the spring top end and a diameter of the spring bottom end; and engaging the top annular seal and the bottom annular seal with the inner wall of the pipe comprises pressing the top annular seal against the inner wall with the spring top end and pressing the bottom annular seal against the inner wall with the spring bottom end. 